Redwood castle was built by the Normans around 1200 AD, and was occupied by them until c.1350, when the MacEgans were installed on the lands. As hereditary Brehons or lawyers, the MacEgan clan established a school of learning here, which was patronised by the family for several hundred years.
The castle was enlarged and renovated several times, with considerable work in 1350 and 1580. The castle remained under continuous occupation and ownership by the MacEgan families until it was confiscated and burned at the time of the Cromwellian conquest c.1650.
The site remained in ruin, with only the thick exterior walls standing, until Michael J. Egan, a County Mayo lawyer, purchased and renovated the building in 1972. While the castle remains a private residence, the castle is open daily to the public from 2p.m until 6 p.m.during the summer.
